Denmark Tightens Checks on Oil Tankers at Skaw Anchorage
Denmark is stepping up inspections on oil tankers passing through its waters amid European efforts to counter Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The Danish authorities will strengthen environmental checks on ships that anchor at Skaw anchorage, which is one of the largest anchorages in the Nordic region and serves as the gateway to and from the Baltic Sea.
Every year, several thousand ships pass through the Danish waters, and a large proportion of them anchor at Skaw anchorage. The move is a result of increased activity by older ships that transport sanctioned oil through Danish waters, among other things. These raise the risks for the marine environment, the Danish government said.
Environmental Concerns Drive Increased Inspections
The Danish government has expressed concerns about the environmental impact of these older ships on its waters. “We know that there is a lot of traffic consisting of older ships sailing through Danish waters, and they pose a particular risk to our marine environment,” said Magnus Heunicke, minister for environment and gender equality.
To address this concern, Denmark‘s industry minister Morten Bødskov emphasized the need to take action against the Russian shadow fleet. “We must put an end to Putin’s war machine. This also applies to the Russian shadow fleet. We are using all tools,” he said.
Enhanced Inspections and Fuel Measurements
The Danish Maritime Authority, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, will conduct more environmental inspections on ships to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These measures are intended to guarantee that vessels adhere to environmental standards.
By the end of the year, Denmark will also implement measurements of sulphur content in ship fuel. The Danish government noted that information collected through these measures could be used in international cooperation against the “shadow fleet,” including compiling a list of specific vessels subject to sanctions.
International Cooperation Against the Shadow Fleet
The increased inspections and fuel measurements are part of Denmark‘s efforts to contribute to international cooperation against the Russian shadow fleet. By sharing information and best practices with other countries, Denmark aims to strengthen its position in countering this issue.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing the concerns surrounding the Russian shadow fleet. However, one thing is clear: Denmark‘s commitment to environmental protection and international cooperation is unwavering.
Original Article: Denmark tightens checks on oil tankers at Skaw anchorage — Shippingtelegraph